The new iconic Somerset Pavilion at the County Ground in Taunton forms a major part of the Club’s redevelopment.
Located on the site of two old pavilions that had formed an intrinsic part of the Club’s history, the new pavilion is taking the Club forward into the 21st century. This exciting project, which LED Architects won in competition, has been carefully designed not only to be extremely functional in terms of spectator facilities, but to also sit comfortably within its historic surroundings, especially with regard to the majestic church towers of St James & St Andrews located nearby.
The new pavilion provides tiered seating for approximately 1200 spectators over 3 floors, including 344 seats at roof level that are sheltered by a dynamic canopy hung from 4 braced masts. Notably at roof level, there is also a dedicated media centre with large angled windows facing directly down the pitch with fine views ‘over the bowler’s arm’.
At first floor level, the pavilion also includes 5 corporate boxes and an additional ‘long room’ called the ‘1875 room’, all with dedicated tiered seating.
At ground floor level there is further tiered seating for spectators, including toilet & concessionary facilities, together with a generous café bistro that will also operate on nonmatch days. Ancillary facilities include a new commercial kitchen, satellite kitchen, bars & toilets.
The building is fully accessible with dedicated spaces for disabled visitors. Finally, there is provision for a TV camera gantry located at roof terrace level which also provides further space for corporate entertainment.
The new pavilion benefits from a number of key environmental design objectives including: high levels of thermal insulation, including SIP panel external wall construction; the use of recycled and/or recyclable materials wherever possible such as external timber cladding & hardcore sub-base; high levels of controlled natural daylight using generous fenestration.
